Otago Agricultural & Pastoral Society.

Circular.

I am instructed by the Committee of this Society to ask you to send to me at your convenience (but not later than (6th May) your opinion as to the management of the State Railways, i.e., whether you think that they should be worked as at present—entirely free from political control; or whether the old system should be reverted to—of management under the direct control of Parliament.

The next session of Parliament is expected to open in June, and the Committee have noticed that several Members (none of whom, by the way, contribute to the Railway revenue) have expressed strong opinions in favour of the old system. The agricultural and pastoral interest is the backbone of the Colony, and farmers are the best customers of the Railways, and have more practical experience as to their management than politicians can possibly have. Whatever, therefore, the opinion of the producers of Otago may be, it must of necessity carry a great deal of weight with their representatives in the House when the question comes up for discussion.